Getting ready to do my first oil change on the 135 and tried to pick-up a filter tool from my dealer. Kinda pi**ed me off when they said they don't sell them to the public, which isn't a big deal in itself (I know they're available elsewhere) except that it further exemplifies BMW's "don't touch anything on this car" attitude.

But the main reason I'm posting is because they also said you don't need the tool to get the filter off, just sockets. I haven't looked that closely at it yet but can anyone verify this?

My tool came from Bavarian. I think it was $15. Money well spent. It is a special cap wrench. The Bavarian has the 17mm hex head on it so you can use the same wrench or socket you use on the drain plug.

I saw a post where somebody said they would use a microfiber over the cap and a channel lock. But I wouldn't want to risk damage to my bimmer over a $15 tool.

I guess I must be missing something or not seeing the picture clearly (my 128 coupe is still on order, so can't see for myself).
Doesn't the top of the filter cover have a simple square or hex nut on it? Why would you need a special tool to turn this type arrangement? Wouldn't a simple adjustable wrench do it?

I guess I must be missing something or not seeing the picture clearly (my 128 coupe is still on order, so can't see for myself).
Doesn't the top of the filter cover have a simple square or hex nut on it? Why would you need a special tool to turn this type arrangement? Wouldn't a simple adjustable wrench do it?

Previous models did have a (large) hex nut molded into the cap. Now (n my 128i at least) the entire cap is essentially the hex nut.

Annoyingly the BMW special tool doesn't fit directly onto a 3/8" extension, it has a large size hex nut on the top. I had to buy both the tool and a large socket to fit it.

Still don't understand why a hex nut needs a special tool rather than a socket or wrench, but I'm sure it will be very clear once I get my 128 and can see it in person.

BTW, what is so special about BMW oil filters that make them cost so much? Since it is only a refill, not a complete filter (with the can), I would have expected it to be cheaper. In all my previous cars, I have been using FRAM filters and never have had an engine problem. I checked the local parts store at the difference between a FRAM filter for all other cars and the BMW refill. Most normal filters are under $5.00 - the BMW was $13.50. (Not saying I want to use FRAM on the BMW, just using them for a comparison of price) I can understand the BMW would charge you more, but even FRAM charges more than twice the price.

Yes, that DIY is what I was looking at. The pictures show a white housing with a nut on top and then it appears to be using a socket to put it back on. Your picture seems to be totally different. Are the 128 and 135 totally different oil filter assemblies?

Yes, that DIY is what I was looking at. The pictures show a white housing with a nut on top and then it appears to be using a socket to put it back on. Your picture seems to be totally different. Are the 128 and 135 totally different oil filter assemblies?

LOOK at the very first picture of JimD's DIY posting. That is the "tool" you are looking at NOT the oil filter cap! The tool is laying near the BMW emblem on the engine... the oil filter cap is laying ontop of the intake manifold with the old (dirty) filter still attached!

Both caps look teh same to me. But I have never been under the hood of a 128i before. I think its the same cap though.

Ah - that's better. Duh! I guess "a picture's worth a thousand words" only if you have something to reference it to - at least in my case . Obviously this wouldn't have been so difficult if I wasn't still waiting for my 128 to arrive and could have looked at it.

Ah - that's better. Duh! I guess "a picture's worth a thousand words" only if you have something to reference it to - at least in my case . Obviously this wouldn't have been so difficult if I wasn't still waiting for my 128 to arrive and could have looked at it.

No problem. Now you see it!

Btw... now that you have ordered an oil filter tool... for your first oil change... you might also want to order one of these from UUC or Dan@United. I would
also suggest one of Dan's oil kits (oil filter and BMW/Castrol oil).

Yeah, that drain plug sounds good - already looked at the oil change kits at other sites. Can't seem to find the plug or oil kit at unitedBMW (their site doesn't seem too user friendly for finding things). Do you have to actually Email Dan to find these parts?
They used to make these drain plugs on some cars as standard equipment, but I guess it cost 3 cents too much.

One nice thing about the Bavarian cap wrench for the filter compartment is that it has a 17mm hex head on the top. That lets you use the same socket for the filter as you use for the drain plug. Minor but nice. It is cast aluminum except for the hex head which is steel.

Getting ready to do my first oil change on the 135 and tried to pick-up a filter tool from my dealer. Kinda pi**ed me off when they said they don't sell them to the public, which isn't a big deal in itself (I know they're available elsewhere) except that it further exemplifies BMW's "don't touch anything on this car" attitude.

Where are you in Canada? I managed to obtain one from BMW Gallery in Calgary (had to be ordered from Germany), although they did say "we don't normally sell tools to the public".